Xiaomi’s Redmi line of smartphones is well-deservedly considered one of the most reliable devices in the budget segment. However, even the most stable Android operating system may eventually start to work incorrectly, requiring radical interventions. If your Xiaomi Redmi 5A began to slow down, spontaneously reboot or you forgot the security code, the only right solution is a complete reset.
The factory-back procedure, known as Hard Reset, completely clears the device’s internal memory of user data, which returns the software to the “out of the box” state, eliminating accumulated system errors and application conflicts. Before starting any manipulation, it is important to understand that all your photos, contacts and installed programs will be irretrievably deleted.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can restore your device to work, and we will look at the methods through the standard settings menu, the use of the Recovery Engineering Menu, and remote reset via Google account. Follow the instructions carefully to safely resuscitate your smartphone.
Preparation of the device for the discharge procedure
Before you start active actions, you need to perform a number of preparatory activities. Ignoring this step can lead to loss of important information or locking the device with safety mechanisms. Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%, as the cleaning process can take time.
The most critical thing is to back up your data, you can use cloud services or transfer files to your computer. Redmi 5A owners often forget that after a reset, the smartphone will ask for confirmation of account ownership.
- 📸 Back up photos and videos in Google Photos or on a memory card.
- 📞 Sync your contacts with your Google account through the settings menu.
- 🔑 Write down or remember the username and password from your Mi Account and Google account.
- 🔌 Connect your device to a stable Wi-Fi network for fast synchronization.
Special attention should be paid to the Mi Account account. MIUI firmware has a hard-to-reach link to the developer account. If you don't log out before resetting, the phone will require you to enter the password you used before, which is anti-theft protection, and it's almost impossible to get around without the owner's data.
⚠️ Note: If you do not remember the password from the Mi Account, be sure to log out of it in the settings menu before resetting. Otherwise, the device may become unusable.
It is also recommended to remove SIM-microSD card and memory card before the procedure, although the risk of data damage on the memory card is minimal, it is better to be safe so that an accidental system failure does not affect external drives.
Method 1: Reset via the Android settings menu
The safest and easiest method available if you remember the screen unlock password and have access to your desktop, which is ideal for preparing your phone for sale or cleaning your system from debris, so you don't need any additional tools or a computer.
To start, open the main application menu and find the Settings icon. Depending on the version of the MIUI firmware, the interface may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same. We need to find the section that deals with the general system settings.
Settings → Advanced settings → Recovery and resetIn the menu that opens, select Reset. The system will alert you that all data will be deleted. If multiple profiles or users are installed on the phone, the system can suggest you choose which profile to clear. Choose the option of complete deletion.
☑️ Checklist before resetting through the menu
After confirmation of action, the phone may request the input of a pattern lock or PIN-This is a standard Android security measure, and once you enter the correct code, the reboot and cleanup process will begin.
It is important not to interrupt the process or try to turn off the smartphone manually. The screen can go out and light up several times - this is normal behavior of the system when formatting memory partitions. The latency is usually 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of information accumulated.
Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode
If your smartphone doesn't turn on, you're stuck on the logo, or you've forgotten your unlock password, Recovery Recovery mode will help. This method allows you to reset at the system level without going through the Android interface.
Turn the device off completely. If the phone is stuck and unresponsive, press the power button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out. Then simultaneously press the Volume Up (+) and the Power button.
- 🔘 Hold both buttons until the Mi logo appears.
- 🔘 Once the logo appears, release the power button, but keep holding Volume Up.
- 🔘 Release the volume button when you see the Main Menu main menu.
Navigation in the Recovery menu is done with volume buttons (up/down), and the choice of item is made by the power button. You need to find the Wipe & Reset section and go to it. Next, select the Wipe All Data option.
The system will ask you to confirm the action, often requiring you to select Confirm or Yes. Be careful: in some versions of Recovery, the interface may be in English.
⚠️ Warning: In Recovery mode, the touch screen is not working. All actions are performed only with mechanical volume and power buttons.
When the process is complete, the screen will display the message Data wipe successfully. Select Back to Main Menu, then Reboot → Reboot to System. The first run after such a reset will be long, sometimes up to 10 minutes.
What happens if Recovery does not open?
Method 3: Remote reset via Google Find My Device
This method is relevant if the phone is on, connected to the Internet, but you do not have physical access to the screen or it does not respond to touch. Google Find My Device service allows you to control the device remotely through any browser.
You will need access to a computer or other smartphone. Go to the official website of the service and log in to the same Google account that was used on the Redmi 5A. The system will automatically determine the location of the device.
In the list of available actions, select the option to Clear the device (Erase Device), you will receive a warning that all data will be deleted, confirm the action, the smartphone will receive a command and reset the first time you connect to the network.
| Parameter | Settings menu | Recovery Mode | Google Find My Device |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need access to the screen. | Yes. | No. | No. |
| We need the Internet. | No (for reset) | No. | Yes (required) |
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Low. |
| Risk of error | Minimum | Medium. | Minimum |
The effectiveness of this method depends on the stability of the Internet connection on the problem device. If the phone is in flight mode or discharged, the command will be executed only after it is turned on and connected to the network.
Solving problems: Phone requires account after reset
After successfully resetting and restarting the Xiaomi Redmi 5A, an activation screen can appear. This is the standard FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection procedure. The system requires you to enter the data of the Google or Mi Account that was synced to the device before the reset.
Enter your email and password. If you changed your password recently, wait 24 hours, which is Google's security measure that blocks login immediately after the data change. A data entry error can cause the device to be temporarily locked.
In some cases, especially on older versions of MIUI firmware, an activation error may occur. If the phone says "Disconnected" or "Server Error", try the following:
- 📡 Check the work. SIM-maps and availability of mobile Internet.
- 📡 Try connecting to another Wi-Fi network (e.g., sharing the internet from another phone).
- ⏰ Make sure the date and time are set correctly (automatically over the network).
Critical: If you bought a phone with your hands and it requests the account of the previous owner, you can legally unlock it only by contacting it. FRP is a violation of the terms of use of services.
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If the phone warms up and runs slowly in the first 30 minutes, it's OK. The system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background.
Initial setup after Hard Reset
After successfully passing the activation screen, you will see a clean desktop. Don't rush to install all applications at once. First, it is recommended to check for system updates, as the new firmware may contain important security patches.
Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. If a new version of MIUI is available, install it, which will ensure stable operation and close vulnerabilities that may have been present in the factory version of the software.
Now you can restore backup, and when you first log in to your Google account, it will offer you to restore apps and settings from the cloud, and it's a convenient way to get back to your environment in a few minutes.
It is recommended to install antivirus software immediately or use the built-in security scanner Security, which is preinstalled in MIUI. Regular check will help to avoid re-infecting the device.
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Once reset, the system works faster, but takes time to “train” your usage habits and optimize background processes.